Cheryl Thayer

Cheryl Thayer is a Senior Resource Educator with the Cornell Cooperative Extension Harvest New York Team. At present, much of Cheryl's programmatic work focuses on finding solutions to some of the more pressing systemic barriers that hinder the development of the regional food system in Western New York. Cheryl earned her Bachelors from Penn State University, and her Masters from Cornell University, where she studied Food and Agriculture Policy. While attending Cornell, Cheryl conducted food systems planning work both domestically and internationally.

October 18 - October 19, 20179:30 AM - 5:00 PMIthaca, NY

Considering Small-Scale Commercial Value-Added Dairy Production

October 26, 201710:00 AM - 2:00 PMPenn Yann, NY

This training will introduce the ins and outs of small-scale cheese, yogurt and other value-added dairy production. Topics include: How to get started, funding - grant and loan opportunities, examples of value-added businesses, and deciding whether it's right for you.

Small-Scale Charcuterie Workshop

November 6, 20179:00 AM - 4:00 PMIthaca, NY

This one day workshop is geared towards home owners, or anyone who loves meat and wants to learn how to make sausages, Pate de Campagne, Spuma, and Rillettes. Participants will learn what breeds, and cuts of meats can and should be used in the charcuterie process, as well as how to create different blends with flavors and spices.

Acceptable quality standards and common defects that should be sorted out on the grading line are depicted in these resources, both visually and in outline form. Find all of the grading sheets here.

Western NY Food Hub looking for produce farmers!

Eden Valley Growers (EVG) is opening their doors to new produce growers interested in selling through wholesale market channels! Dubbed the Western NY Food Hub, this business diversification will provide qualified growers with immediate access to wholesale markets. Based in Erie County, EVG is a vegetable growing farm cooperative that recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. Recognizing the increasing demand for locally grown food and the considerable assets the cooperative has, both in terms of infrastructure, sales and marketing, they are eager to provide Western NY farmers with a viable market for their produce. Click HERE to see more information.